Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Near Threatened (NT) , assessed in 26/10/2018Protected species -
in Northern Province
Polyosma brachystachys is an endemic shrub or tree from New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the north-east of Grande Terre. It occurs in high elevation dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrates above 600 m asl. Some subpopulations may be impacted by habitat degradation by feral pigs, but the impact of this threat is not thought to be significant. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated at 118 and 28 km², respectively, and could be said to occur at a limited number of locations. Therefore, P. brachystachys is precautionarily listed as Near Threatened (NT), close to Vulnerable under criteria B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).
Geographical area
This species is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the northeastern mountain range, from Mt. Panié to Mt. Mandjélia.
Population
Population size is unknown, but field observations indicate this species is abundant on Mt. Panié.
Habitat
This shrub or tree grows in high elevation dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate above 600 m asl.
Threats
Although subpopulations at higher elevations can be impacted by habitat degradation by feral pigs, this species is abundant and globally does not appear to be threatened.
Conservation
P. brachystachys is protected by legislation in Province Nord and occurs in one protected area: Mt. Panié natural reserve.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Morat, P.; Jaffré, T.; Tronchet, F.; Munzinger, J.; Pillon, Y.; Veillon, J.-M. and Chalopin, M. 2012. Le référentiel taxonomique Florical et les caractéristiques de la flore vasculaire indigène de la Nouvelle-Calédonie [The taxonomic database « FLORICAL » and characteristics of the indigenous flora of New Caledonia]. Adansonia sér 3(34) , p.177-219.
Pillon, Y. 2018. Nomenclature and typification in Polyosma (Escalloniaceae) from New Caledonia, with the description of a new species. Phytotaxa(371 (4)) , p.267-272.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Gâteblé, G., Goxe, J., Henry, B., Héquet, V., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Mandaoué, L., Pillon, Y., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.